PRC PRC Qualitative Research Methods 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A phenomenological study primarily seeks to understand:
- How cultures develop over generations
- The lived experience of a phenomenon from participants' perspectives (Correct answer)
- The sequence of events leading to a social outcome
- Statistical patterns in behavioral data
Correct answer: The lived experience of a phenomenon from participants' perspectives
Phenomenology focuses on describing and interpreting the essence of lived experience of a particular phenomenon as understood by those who have experienced it.
Question 2: In qualitative research, 'reflexivity' requires researchers to:
- Use validated, standardized instruments
- Acknowledge and reflect on how their own background influences the research (Correct answer)
- Replicate findings across multiple studies
- Randomly select participants to reduce bias
Correct answer: Acknowledge and reflect on how their own background influences the research
Reflexivity involves the researcher critically examining how their own identity, assumptions, and positionality may influence data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Question 3: Which type of sampling is most commonly used in qualitative research to select information-rich cases?
- Random sampling
- Systematic sampling
- Purposive sampling (Correct answer)
- Cluster sampling
Correct answer: Purposive sampling
Purposive (or purposeful) sampling intentionally selects participants who have relevant experience or knowledge of the phenomenon being studied, maximizing information richness.
Question 4: A focus group is most appropriate when a researcher wants to:
- Measure individual attitudes with statistical precision
- Observe natural behavior in participants' home settings
- Generate data through group interaction and discussion (Correct answer)
- Establish causal relationships between variables
Correct answer: Generate data through group interaction and discussion
Focus groups leverage group dynamics and interaction to generate rich qualitative data, surfacing shared meanings, disagreements, and social norms around a topic.
Question 5: What does 'triangulation' in qualitative research involve?
- Using three participants in every focus group
- Applying multiple data sources, methods, or perspectives to enhance credibility (Correct answer)
- Dividing the research team into three subgroups
- Testing three competing hypotheses simultaneously
Correct answer: Applying multiple data sources, methods, or perspectives to enhance credibility
Triangulation strengthens qualitative research credibility by using multiple data sources, methods, investigators, or theories to cross-verify interpretations.
Question 6: In narrative inquiry, the primary unit of analysis is:
- Statistical frequency of behaviors
- The stories participants tell about their experiences (Correct answer)
- Observational field notes
- Survey item response patterns
Correct answer: The stories participants tell about their experiences
Narrative inquiry examines the stories people tell to make sense of their lives, treating narrative as both the method of data collection and the object of analysis.
PRC PRC Qualitative Research Methods 2
A phenomenological study primarily seeks to understand: